3D TV: what you need to know

Gaming

If you’re a fan of video games, 3D TVs offer a lot to be excited about. Most major games publishers are supporting 3D in some form; especially Sony, who has a lot invested in the technology.

Last year, Sony Computer Entertainment announced that it will release stereoscopic 3D games titles for PS3 in conjunction with Sony's 3D TV launch. 3D versions of popular PS3 games are already waiting in the pipeline, including Wipeout HD, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift and Super Stardust HD.

The console’s 3D capabilities will be delivered via a free Internet update. “There is no need to repurchase the system to enjoy 3D games," explained Nainan Shah, vice-president of new 3D platform.

Sony is also actively supporting software developers and publishers, providing technological information to develop stereoscopic 3D games and content.

James Cameron's Avatar: The Game

The Xbox 360 console is also capable of 3D gaming. One of the first 3D games to debut on the system was James Cameron’s Avatar: The Game. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a disappointment, but it still gives a good indication of what 3D graphics are capable of.

Nvidia GeForce 3D Vision supports 50 games and counting...

New technology in the PC space, such as Nvidia’s GeForce 3D Vision will also be compatible with 3D TVs. Currently, there are already over 50 games compatible with GeForce 3D Vision, including popular titles like Resident Evil 5 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The addition of a third dimension makes action games a lot more visceral, with bullets and debris whizzing past the player’s eyes.

Pricing

3D television shouldn't be too much more expensive than high-end 2D television models. Recently announced pricing for a 50in 3D-ready plasma television, with two pairs of glasses included, is $2499. A 3D-ready Blu-ray disc player will cost around $599, and additional glasses will cost from $79 to around $150.

Pictured: Philips' 3D-capable 9000 LCD series

For a television, 3D Blu-ray disc player and two extra sets of glasses, you could be paying under $3500, which is surprisingly reasonable for a new technology. (When plasma TV panels were first released, they cost upwards of $10,000.) Although the 3D televisions released early on will be high-end models, several companies are planning to bring out budget 3D televisions later in the year (even the bargain-friendly Kogan Technologies [[xref:http://www.kogan.com.au/blog/2010/mar/10/3dtv-do-you-want-it/|is considering a 3D model|3DTV: Do You Want It?).

If you are thinking of buying a new LCD or plasma television, consider the 3D models that are hitting our shores in the coming months. Upgrading to a 3D TV shouldn't cost much more than purchasing a top-of-the-line LED television, and the experience of watching 3D movies in your living room with your family may be worth it.

The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.

My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.

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